What to expect from Apple's September 9 iPhone 16 'Glowtime' event

Posted:
in iPhone edited September 6

Apple's "Glowtime" special event will take place on September 9, and will feature the iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10, and more! Here's what else you can expect to see on Monday.

Person presenting Apple products including an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch in a modern interior setting with a staircase.
Apple CEO Tim Cook surrounded by potential new device launches



As regular as clockwork, Apple will be holding a special event on September 9. The event will introduce the iPhone 16, and will also feature other upcoming products in Apple's catalog.



Here's what hardware Apple is expected to debut, during what will be its most-watched event of the year.

The Glowtime event



Invitations were sent out to the media on August 26, inviting them to an in-person gathering at Apple Park. It will be held at the Steve Jobs Theater on the campus at 10 am P.T. on September 9.

The invite was headlined "It's Glowtime" along with a similarly-themed Apple logo. This is likely to be in reference to the multi-colored glowing effect on the edge of the iPhone display when Apple Intelligence is invoked.

Glowing Apple logo with text announcing an Apple event at the Steve Jobs Theater on September 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. PT. Invitations are nontransferable.
The media invite to Apple's event.



The event will be live-streamed by Apple from its website and from its official YouTube account.

The date is unusual for Apple, since it's earlier than anyone expected. Rumors, analysis, and leakers claimed the event would happen on September 10, a Tuesday, but it's actually one day earlier.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro



The jewel in Apple's crown is the iPhone, and for 2024, that will be the iPhone 16 generation. As usual, four models are expected, made up of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The iPhone 16 is anticipated to have similar-sized screens to the iPhone 15 for the non-Pro models, measuring 6.1 inches or 6.7 inches for the Plus version. The iPhone 16 Pro may gain around 0.2 inches apiece, becoming 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches.

Two smartphones with multiple rear cameras; one is silver with three cameras and the other is pink with two.
Renders of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max



The chips will also get a boost, with the A18 Pro adding more processing capability to the Pro models. The chip the standard iPhone 16 models will get should be effectively identical to the A17 Pro in the current-gen iPhones, with possibly a few tweaks.

This will make the iPhone 16 range entirely capable of performing the various AI functions that will arrive with Apple Intelligence in the future.

Apple is expected to change the camera arrangement on the non-Pro models to a vertical arrangement, slimming down the camera bump overall. We may see other changes, such as more sensors getting an upgrade to 48MP, or an expansion of the iPhone 15 Pro Max's Tetraprism lens to all Pro models.

One late-running rumor is that Apple will up the video capabilities of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max's cameras. This will apparently include recording 4K video at 120fps instead of 60fps as a maximum, a ProRes 4K 120fps for external recordings, and even a QuickTake upgrade from 1080p to 4K.

There may be more changes on the outside, including the expansion of the Action button to all models, and even the long-rumored Capture button. Due to the capacitive nature of the Capture button, rumors also say it will work even if there's no cut-out in the case.

One non-visible change could be price. There have been some expectations of a price increase for the 2024 models, due to costs relating to Apple Intelligence.

iPad and iPad mini



While not necessarily at the same strict cadence as the iPhone, the iPad could get its usual refresh at the same event. The last time it was updated was in the fall of 2022, making it due to get an update.

Few rumors have circulated about the iPad, but it is likely to get a chip bump to a newer A-series processor at the very least.

Yellow Apple iPad standing upright on a white surface, camera and Apple logo visible.
The tenth-generation iPad



As the sixth-gen iPad mini was introduced in September 2021, that three-year gap could be enough for the compact model to get a similar spec bump.

Apple could end up shifting the front-facing camera to match other models in the range. On the back, while likely to stay with a 12MP sensor, Apple could upgrade the iPad mini to use the same 48MP version as its current-gen iPhones.

While the mini won't get an OLED screen this year, Apple will certainly make sure to avoid its jelly scrolling issue from last time.

With updates made to the iPad Air and iPad Pro line earlier in 2024, don't expect much from those two lines during the event.

Apple Watch Series 10



The subject of quite a few rumors, the Apple Watch Series 10 could be known as the Series X, and undergo a potentially major set of updates befitting a milestone number.

Close-up of a smart watch displaying time and health data, with vibrant colorful background elements.
A render of what the Apple Watch Series 10 could look like



This includes making the Apple Watch thinner and larger than ever before, possibly resulting in 45mm and 49mm sizes. The display could even be a bit bigger than the Apple Watch Ultra, at 50.8mm.

The changes may not necessarily be useful for users of older models, though. There have been rumors that the connectors for bands to attach to the Apple Watch itself could change for the next version, making older bands obsolete.

On the health functions side, the new feature is anticipated to be sleep apnea detection. Built on top of existing sleep tracking functions, the new mode will determine whether the user has sleep apnea, and will notify them to get checked out by a medical professional.

What probably won't be turning up is any form of blood oxygen detection features, prompted by Apple's legal fight with Masimo over patents.

Another thing that will probably fail to arrive is the rumored hypertension detection. While it has been worked on for quite some time, there is the belief it has been delayed yet again.

AirPods, AirPods Max



Apple has laid out a number of inbound changes for how AirPods will function in iOS 18. It seems apt that new models could make an appearance during the September event.

A person holds a pair of white wireless earbuds in an open charging case.
A pair of AirPods in the charging case



For a start, AirPods 4 could expand the range with two variants, including a lower-cost model with an updated design and USB-C for the case. The second could be a mid-tier offering, with active noise cancellation and Find My built into the case.

In September, it was reported that the case could also have a speaker to aid with finding it when lost. The same report added that there will be better audio quality all round for the AirPods 4.

After being released in December 2020, the AirPods Max have failed to be updated at all over this time. An update is long overdue, and price drops and rumors have promoted the idea that one is on the way.

Person holding black over-ear headphones above a white table.
A pair of AirPods Max



So far, rumors have said there will be a shift to USB-C to join other Apple hardware, as well as a switch to the H2 chip. This could bring better noise cancellation and improve battery life.

But what about Macs?



Apple does launch many products in the fall, but not necessarily in just one event. It frequently holds two special events in the fall, with an October event holding the overflow products.

Of Apple's product lines that get pushed into the later event, the Mac category is typically the first to do so.

Therefore, while we do include Mac-based product rumors below, they are more likely to be in an October showcase instead of the September event.

Mac mini



Apple last updated the Mac mini in January 2023, so an update to the M4 this fall is a good prospect. The rumor mill has also offered claims that an update is inbound for the model sooner rather than later.

Apple Mac Mini models in silver and black showcasing top views and rear ports including power, USB, Ethernet, HDMI, and Thunderbolt.
Renders of what a new Mac mini could look like



Current rumors for the M4 Mac mini include a long-awaited change in form factor, making it smaller. This will make it an even more compact Mac for the desktop, and possibly a visually striking departure from the well-worn current aluminum puck design.

It is also probable that the M4 Mac mini will be joined by an M4 Pro edition. Based on the previous release, it should look the same as the M4 version, but have a better chip driving the experience.

iMac



The 24-inch iMac was last updated in November 2023, bringing it to M3. While it did skip over the M2, it is thought that it won't miss out on the M4 update, despite the short sub-year gap between updates.

Desktop computer with a colorful abstract screen, set on a desk with headphones, camera, and orange and blue spherical lights, against a brick wall background.
Apple's 24-inch iMac with M3



However, the desktop Mac may not be only offered in a single size. Rumors have proposed that a larger iMac is on the way, potentially as large as 32 inches versus 24 inches for the current model.

MacBook Pro



Frequently mentioned in rumors to arrive in late 2024, updates to the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro stand a good chance of making an appearance.

A sleek laptop displaying a colorful desktop background, positioned beside a small potted plant, with a brick wall in the background.
A MacBook Pro



With a one-year cadence for the M3 introduction in fall 2023, Apple can easily do the same again with the M4 editions in the coming weeks.

However, rumors have yet to offer any other major changes that could be on the way for the MacBook Pro range. It may end up being a simple spec bump upgrade this time around.

What probably won't appear this fall



Some products are highly unlikely to be updated during the presentation, simply because they have received an update relatively recently.

For example, the iPad Pro models were updated to M4 earlier in 2024, alongside new models of iPad Air. It's been too little time between updates for that to occur.

In other cases, it's because rumors and analyst forecasts say that changes are further off into the future.

For example, the MacBook Air is expected to get another update in the spring of 2025. The Mac Studio and Mac Pro, while certainly in the timeframe for an update, are both anticipated to wait until 2025, with some estimates expecting a late 2025 update.

AirPods Pro was last updated in September 2022 with improvements to ANC and Transparency thanks to using H2, though it was later updated to include a USB-C charging case instead of Lightning. However, rumors indicate that a third-gen release may occur in 2025, not 2024.



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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 32
    By including many of Apple's mainstream products in this article — iPhone, iPad, Mac mini, iMac, MacBook Pro, Apple Watch, AirPods — it is implied that Apple will announce new versions of all of these at the September 9 event. That would certainly be nice … but it's not likely, is it?

    If memory serves, Apple typically uses this event to introduce new iPhone and Apple Watch models … and sometimes new AirPods models — Apple's non-Mac products that we wear or carry with us. Other new models (Macs in particular) are often saved either to be announced during a separate future event (in October or November) or simply via press release.
    edited August 26 d_2Alex1N
  • Reply 2 of 32
    macxpressmacxpress Posts: 5,919member
    I can't see Apple releasing updates to the Mac lineup at this event. Unless there really isn't much to talk about with iPhone or Apple Watch. By the time they get through the new iPhone, Apple Watch, possibly reintroducing some AI features (or announcing ones they couldn't talk about at WWDC) this will be a full event, or at least long enough o where if they added on any Macs it would make the event too long. Typically we see a late September or early to mid October event for the Macs. 
    dewmeAlex1Napplemindedtmayjbirdiikun
  • Reply 3 of 32
    9secondkox29secondkox2 Posts: 3,035member
    A decidedly unmanly title. 

    But I’m interested to see how they pull off this effect without it being cheesy. 
  • Reply 4 of 32
    I sense a cringe outcome…AI
    Edit: I expect jokes from Craig to be firing on all cylinders and as cheesy (or hairy) as possible 
    edited August 26 williamlondon
  • Reply 5 of 32
    News Outlets: the 10th is the event
    Apple: hahaha 😝 nope it’s the 9th! It’s GLOWTIME BABY!!
    N: but why?
    A: you guys predicted the 10th (and there is a debate that day so we want as much coverage as possible)
    N: why not Wednesday?
    A: What day is that?
    N: 9/11… oh
    A: yup 🫡🙏🇺🇸

    pulseimagescharlesnwilliamlondonbeowulfschmidtbadmonkJFC_PA
  • Reply 6 of 32
    charlesncharlesn Posts: 1,078member
    By including many of Apple's mainstream products in this article — iPhone, iPad, Mac mini, iMac, MacBook Pro, Apple Watch, AirPods — it is implied that Apple will announce new versions of all of these at the September 9 event. That would certainly be nice … but it's not likely, is it?

    If memory serves, Apple typically uses this event to introduce new iPhone and Apple Watch models … and sometimes new AirPods models — Apple's non-Mac products that we wear or carry with us. Other new models (Macs in particular) are often saved either to be announced during a separate future event (in October or November) or simply via press release.
    Your memory is correct! And with iPhone still accounting for roughly half of total Apple revenues, there's no way Apple will force it to share the spotlight with a laundry list of other updated products. Yes to Apple Watch 10, X or whatever they call it and maybe Airpods. I think Apple will want to spend extra time on the iPhone this year because--with no major hardware or design changes to report--it's going to be all about marketing Apple Intelligence as the reason to buy. And that's going to take more explanation than "Titanium!" I'm not sure how much steak there will actually be in this sales pitch, but I have no doubt Apple will "sizzle" the hell out of it. You've gotta hand it to Apple when it comes to marketing--they've already co-opted "A.I." and rebranded it as Apple Intelligence. 
    Alex1N
  • Reply 7 of 32
    jwdawsojwdawso Posts: 394member
    News Outlets: the 10th is the event
    Apple: hahaha 😝 nope it’s the 9th! It’s GLOWTIME BABY!!
    N: but why?
    A: you guys predicted the 10th (and there is a debate that day so we want as much coverage as possible)
    N: why not Wednesday?
    A: What day is that?
    N: 9/11… oh
    A: yup 🫡🙏🇺🇸

    Good start! So why Monday, and why "Glowtime"? This is the pre-event fun part! Maybe it 9/9 to keep further away from 9/11? Is Glowtime the new Siri? I'm hoping that the software integration with the new hardware will take us by surprise just like the dynamic island did.
  • Reply 8 of 32
    A decidedly unmanly title. 

    But I’m interested to see how they pull off this effect without it being cheesy. 
    I had no idea that article titles had gender roles associated with them.  


    dewmepulseimageswilliamlondonmattinozOnPartyBusinessbeowulfschmidtAlex1Nmarthas694jbirdiikun
  • Reply 9 of 32

    News Outlets: the 10th is the event
    Apple: hahaha ߘ�ope it’s the 9th! It’s GLOWTIME BABY!!
    N: but why?
    A: you guys predicted the 10th (and there is a debate that day so we want as much coverage as possible)
    N: why not Wednesday?
    A: What day is that?
    N: 9/11… oh
    A: yup ߫ᰟ鏰߇覬t;br>
    Apple has done events on 9/11 previously (2019). They don't want to complete with the debate news cycle and on the 11th the news will be brimming over with debate hot takes.


    edited August 26
  • Reply 10 of 32
    DAalsethDAalseth Posts: 2,978member
    jwdawso said:
    News Outlets: the 10th is the event
    Apple: hahaha ߘ�ope it’s the 9th! It’s GLOWTIME BABY!!
    N: but why?
    A: you guys predicted the 10th (and there is a debate that day so we want as much coverage as possible)
    N: why not Wednesday?
    A: What day is that?
    N: 9/11… oh
    A: yup ߫ᰟ鏰߇覬t;br>
    Good start! So why Monday, and why "Glowtime"? This is the pre-event fun part! Maybe it 9/9 to keep further away from 9/11? Is Glowtime the new Siri? I'm hoping that the software integration with the new hardware will take us by surprise just like the dynamic island did.
    Not sure about the Glowtime but I read that there’s a Debate on the 10th. Maybe they wanted to stay away from all the wakkoness from that. 
    edited August 26
  • Reply 11 of 32
    Apple TV+ is  going to do a reboot of Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.
  • Reply 12 of 32
    nubusnubus Posts: 578member
    Apple launched iPad Pro M4 at 7 am P.T. and Samsung did their latest at 6 am P.T.
    Doing it 10 am will place the launch too late for China but in time for the evening news in Europe.
  • Reply 13 of 32
    In-person?!? Awesome! Hopefully, it will be interesting to watch again.
    williamlondonnubusavon b7AniMill
  • Reply 14 of 32
    YucamYucam Posts: 15member
    Cant await to hear Tim Apples legendary “Good Morons”
  • Reply 15 of 32
    mattinozmattinoz Posts: 2,449member
    A decidedly unmanly title. 

    But I’m interested to see how they pull off this effect without it being cheesy. 
    I had no idea that article titles had gender roles associated with them.  


    Don’t you know “real men don’t try to be better”?
  • Reply 16 of 32
    I am so here for the iPad mini! But I don’t expect it until October.
    jbirdiikun
  • Reply 17 of 32
    Sept 10th is the date of the first Harris/Trump debate, assuming he doesn’t balk as he’s been hinting at. That’s probably why Apple is doing it on the 9th. 
    CheeseFreezeOnPartyBusiness
  • Reply 18 of 32
    This will be the AI event for the public with their mobile devices. Will the watch get back the banned functionality? For Macs, what does the difference between ASi families mean for AI capabilities? If the M1 can do AI, how much less functionality does it have vs the M4? As this is traditionally mobile focused, I don’t really expect Mac related devices or answers at this event. 
  • Reply 19 of 32
    mpantonempantone Posts: 2,161member
    In-person?!? Awesome! Hopefully, it will be interesting to watch again.
    I'm afraid you have misunderstood this event.

    The actual presentation will be the pre-recorded video as Apple has done since the pandemic. This will be projected in the Steve Jobs Theater and streamed worldwide (Apple TV, YouTube, etc.).

    After the video is over, event guests will be given the opportunity to try the newly-announced products in-person in a demo zone outside the theater. Likely some Apple executives and PR types will be available to field questions from the attendees (mostly media). This portion of the event is not broadcasted.
    edited August 26 king editor the grategatorguy
  • Reply 20 of 32
    macxpress said:
    I can't see Apple releasing updates to the Mac lineup at this event. Unless there really isn't much to talk about with iPhone or Apple Watch. By the time they get through the new iPhone, Apple Watch, possibly reintroducing some AI features (or announcing ones they couldn't talk about at WWDC) this will be a full event, or at least long enough o where if they added on any Macs it would make the event too long. Typically we see a late September or early to mid October event for the Macs. 
    The only reason why new Macs could be announced is to position Apple Intelligence across the majority of the product suite with the M4 being the common thread.
    beowulfschmidtdewmeAlex1Njbirdiikun
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